Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - A people-centred ASEAN isinstrumental in community building efforts, according to an article run by NewsStraits Times on the occasion of the 51st founding anniversary ofthe 10-member bloc (August 8).

A “People-centred ASEAN” means ASEAN will be an even more powerful vehicle forthe realisation of the peoples’ aspirations — good governance, transparency,higher standards of living, sustainable development, empowerment of women andbetter opportunities for all, it said.

The article, titled “Preparing ASEAN for the next phase”, stated the ASEANDeclaration was signed on Aug 8, 1967 by the five founding countries, includingMalaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Accordingly, the group was established with the main purpose of ensuring peace,security, stability and prosperity in the region.

ASEAN has certainly come a long way since its inception.The establishment of the ASEAN Community during Malaysia’s Chairmanship in 2015marks the beginning of a new era for the bloc.

“It is envisaged that the ASEAN Community will bring aboutmeaningful and positive change to the livelihood and wellbeing of its over 635million people,” the article said, adding it is premised on politicalstability, equitable economic development and social responsibilities.

Economically, ASEAN has progressed by leaps and bounds. It hasa market of 2.6 trillion USD (10.6 trillion USD) with over 635 million people.

ASEAN is also projected to be the fourth largest economy inthe world by 2050. And, that’s not all. It has also been recognised as adriving force for developing a cooperative regional architecture.

In terms of politics, over the last five decades, ASEAN has broughttogether external partners to negotiate, dialogue and engage with its memberstates through the various ASEAN-led processes, including the ASEAN Plus Three,East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, Southeast Asian Nuclear - Weapon-FreeZone and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

ASEAN also provides a platform for countries like theDemocratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to sit together with otherparticipants including major powers to discuss pertinent political and securityissues of common interest and concern.

According to the article, in 2015, ASEAN adoptedthe ASEAN Vision 2025, articulating the grouping’s goals and charting the pathfor the ASEAN Community building over the next 10 years.

ASEAN Vision 2025 will be instrumental in bettering theregion politically, economically and socially. It is a long-term investment forthe future that we must not forego, for the benefit of our next generation.

One of the key features of ASEAN 2025 is its emphasis on a“People-Centred ASEAN”.

The article concluded that with the support and commitment ofall member states and dialogue partners, ASEAN will rise above all challengesthat may come before us in this ever-evolving multi-polar world and achievewhat the founding fathers had aspired for this region — peace, security,stability and prosperity for all.-VNA